The Administration of Examinations for 15-19 Year Olds in England

HC 141-I, First Report of Session 2012-13: Volume I - Report, Together with Formal Minutes

Author:

House of Commons - Education Committee

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Price: £15.50

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In this report, 'The Administration of Examinations for 15-19 Year Olds in England (HC 141-I)', the Education Committee expresses serious concerns about incentives in the exam system and about competition on syllabus content. Incentives in the system should be changed so the downward pressure through the competition of exam boards is mitigated.

The Committee considers a number of options to change incentives, including:

(i) a single board - this offers a simpler system, with no risk of competition, but the Committee believes the cost, risk and disruption outweigh the benefits;

(ii) franchising of subjects to exam boards - this removes syllabus competition, but again has downsides; or

(iii) the current system of multiple boards - the Committee sees no benefit in competition on syllabus content, but the setting and marking of exams and associated administration, if properly regulated, could generate incentives and drive quality up, offering value for money to schools and colleges.

The Committee also recommends the development of national syllabuses, accredited by Ofqual. The syllabuses would be developed by exam boards in conjunction with learned bodies and employer organisations and could therefore retain the benefits of competition on quality and the incentive for exam boards to innovate.

Extent	101 pages	ISBN	9780215045782
Size	A4	Price	£15.50
Format	Paperback	Published	03 Jul 2012
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges